Deciduous

Pumpkin Ash

Fraxinus profunda

Height: 20–30 mRegion: Eastern United States; Maryland coastal plain swamps

Pumpkin ash is a large ash of deep swamps and floodplains, with a swollen, pumpkin-like base when growing in standing water. Leaves are compound with seven to nine leaflets.


Habitat and range


In Maryland, pumpkin ash is restricted to permanently wet sites on the coastal plain—forested wetlands, backwater sloughs, and floodplain swamps. It is less common than green or white ash.


Uses and significance


The wood is similar to other ashes but less commonly harvested due to wet-site access. The species is important in swamp ecosystems and is threatened by habitat loss and emerald ash borer.

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